Agro Perspectiva

Serhiy Arbuzov: The Government retains control of Ukraine's economy

29.01.2014 13:53 "Agro Perspectiva" (Kyiv) — Under conditions of the difficult situation which occurred, the Ukrainian President and the Government have retained control of the economy and budget system of our country, the acting First Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine Serhiy Arbuzov, who chaired today’s session of the Cabinet of Ministers, stated, Government Portal reports. In particular, he underlined the citizens would receive payments from the budget timely, while the payments were conducted according to the schedule: «As of January 27 the Pension Fund has paid pensions to almost 14 million citizens. For these aims, throughout the month, there have been directed over UAH 21 billion. It has completely covered the need in funds for January. Besides, the State Treasury has completely financed expenses to pay state social assistance for January». Moreover, Serhiy Arbuzov informed that expenses of the budget as the assistance to low-income families, families with children, payment to children invalids and invalids from birth had exceeded UAH 3.4 billion. «People are waiting for the timely payment of pensions, scholarships, assistance. Unprotected layers of the population must not become hostages of the political situation,» he stressed. In addition, Serhiy Arbuzov drew attention to the fact that financial and banking system of the country had demonstrated sufficient margin of safety. «The banks are ensured with liquidity, the National Bank controls the situation on the financial and credit market reliably, has enlarged its presence of the currency market and will ensure it in the future,» he noted. According to Serhiy Arbuzov, a significant factor of financial stability of Ukraine appears understandings achieved by the Presidents of Ukraine and Russia. In particular, concerning a loan to our country. «We have received the first tranche in the amount of USD 3 billion and are expecting for the second tranche within nearest time in the amount of USD 2 billion». On commenting cooperation with China, Serhiy Arbuzov reminded that recently under support of the President of Ukraine there had been signed over two dozens of agreements, memorandums and contracts in financial, industrial and energy areas amounting billions of dollars. Besides, according to Serhiy Arbuzov, the Government fulfills international liabilities, in particular concerning the gas transit: «Ukraine has confirmed the status of a reliable partner for the European Union once again in terms of gas supply. And today we are considering an important issue of modernization of another section of Urengoy — Pomary-Uzhgorod pipeline». Moreover, he pointed out there existed the need to further attract foreign investments into the country. But under conditions of political instability the investors usually put their funds into «the waiting list». In this connection Serhiy Arbuzov gave a commission to the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, Finance Ministry and the Ministry of Incomes and Fees to stir up the dialog and respective measures with investors.